Advice needed on what rear end to choose 1973 coupe

Flipperat · 10-25-2009

I have a 1973 that I am dropping a 400M into with a C6 behind it. I would love to put a 9 inch rear end in it but am having trouble locating a decent one with a decent price tag. I have read some mixed reviews and tech info on the Ford 8.8 rear end. Will this be enough for my car and will I be able to put it in without major mods and having a catastrophic failure soon after install. Your advice is Welcomed!

andrewmp6 · 10-26-2009

Why not build up your 8 inch you have its stronger then a 8.8.But if you want a 9 inch talk to Perogie Enterprises Home Page or any mustang junkyard the 9 inch was used the most in 71-73 you can pick one up 400 or less.

The Greek · 10-26-2009

Check the U-Pull-It yards for 1970s thru 1980s pick up trucks. Most of them had 9" rear ends. They usually don't cost much since you're doing the removal labor. The spring perches and width may need some modification, but from what the aftermarket vendors want for just a housing, you can have the mods done and have the center section with it for about the same money.

I'm not a fan of the 8.8 because the center section can't be removed. It's a real PITA setting up gears from under the vehicle. Another problem I've found with the 8.8 is the axle bearings wear directly against the axle surface. In other words, the bearing's race is the axle. Usually the axle absorbs the wear and not the harder material of the bearings. This requires replacing axles. Not so with an 8" or 9".

Personally I don't think an 8" will handle your package and I consider the strength of an 8.8 to be between that of an 8" and a 9".

Flipperat · 10-29-2009

Thanks guys! The benevolent gods of Craigslist have smiled on me. I found a 9inch complete rear end with 3.25 gears pretty close to me. I think this may be my answer.

shagadoodle · 10-29-2009

I really like teh 8.8 and it is going to be my choice if i decide to the that part of my project next (that or sheetmetal work) and from what i have read it has been a half and half contraversy. Honestly because of cash for clunkers my local pull a part has gotten over 15 90s model ford explorers. Luckily most are after 96 and all the explorer rear ends have a posi with 3.55 or 3.73 gears (theirs another one but i forgot Its like 4 something) and all 96 and up have disc brakes. The reason i particularly picked this rear end is because its cheap, its disc brakes for added safety although im not sure how rear discs will work out (hope for the best lol!), it is a real big upgrade from my current rear end (7.5 4 lug I6 rear), theirs lots of them if i ever need parts, with the 31 spline axles from the explorer its stregnth is pretty good. My last point is where people will argue, but if you honestly don't like the C clip axles which from what i have researched actually barely recieve any stress, they make kits for like 90$ to replace the C clips for something a bit stronger. Its my rear end choice However if a 9 inch went my direction for under $150whether posi or not i'd take it over the 8.8. If you end up not getting the 8.8 go to your local pick or pull a part and see the explorer rear end and check it out yourself. From what i read on the most recently documented swap i found they have an aliminum driveshaft that is the exact same legnth as the current drive shaft in our mustangs. Good luck with your swap!.

1978CobraII · 10-29-2009

Why a 400M? I'm curious because it's a truck engine.

Flipperat · 3 Weeks Ago

So every 9inch I have found has fallen thru. Either they are purchased before I can get there or they are trash. I have seen some of the same arguments from the 8.8 crowd and I think I might try one until I can afford to buy a nice 9inch. My local Salvage yards are seeing a nice influx of mid 90s fords as well so it should be simple to find the 8.8.

1978cobraII as for why I have the 400, well that is what came with the car. I really don't have a reason, it is just what came with it. I would really like to have one of those really nice 429 crate engines but don't have the $$ to purchase one, besides I like getting my hands dirty and this has given my plenty of time to get really greasy! LOL

andrewmp6 · 3 Weeks Ago

The 400m is just like a cleveland but somethings are different.A lot of people are starting to build them up now.What is your 9 inch out of ?

silver69 · 3 Weeks Ago

I think the 8.8 is good but I would put in that C clip eliminator upgrade. if you get one to fit let us know what all had to be done besides the spring saddles, if there is viberation of not - you will get huge axles and rear disc too!!